Taylor Swift revealed she's taking supplements to help with her anxiety

The singer revealed that she takes the supplement L-theanine.Source:BodyAndSoul

In an interview with Elle magazine, Taylor Swift revealed that she takes the supplement L-theanine as a way to help her cope with stress and anxiety.

'Vitamins make me feel so much better!' the singer said. 'I take L-theanine, which is a natural supplement to help with stress and anxiety.'

An amino acid, L-Theanine (L-T) is found naturally in mushrooms, black tea and green tea, however as it is a relatively small amount, it is possible in some countries to buy the organic compound as a supplement.

Not readily available on the high-street in Australia, Dr Sam Hay explains that while L-T is considered safe overall, there also aren’t many studies to back this up.

“Overall, it's generally considered safe,” Dr Hay told body+soul. “But at the same time, we really don't have any robust evidence to suggest it's going to have a major effect at all.”

While there are some claims that L-T can help boost brain power, combat stress, help you sleep better and even ease period pain, these theories are largely unproven, leading countries in the European Union to ban the use of these health claims on the sale of products.

However, in the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has passed the supplement as safe and it is also allowed to be sold as a dietary supplement.

L-Theanine can be bought in capsules. Image: bronsonvitaminsSource:BodyAndSoul

Although there are few studies that support the claims of L-T’s health benefits, last year a study from the journal Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses found that the supplement did ease anxiety and improve the sleep patterns of those with schizophrenia who were also undergoing antipsychotic treatment.

"Probably the best evidence out there right now is that L-T helps focus your attention without causing drowsiness," Jamie Alan, PhD, an assistant professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University says.

“But the jury is still out on anxiety. People are looking at it, but we don't have enough studies to support it yet.”

“I think it's really important to point out that there's not much evidence out there about L-T,” Dr Hay adds. “Whilst some low level studies and research are positive, it's all pretty loose and minor. It's definitely not going to drag you out of a deep depression, and mustn’t be relied on as your only therapy.”

“I'd prefer people thought of this as a little added extra help, and focussed on getting a check-up with their doctor, addressing lifestyle issues, and especially forming a relationship with a good psychologist.”